If you’re looking for the secret to social media success, here’s a hint – it takes effort. Despite the immediate nature of the medium, you’ll need to put in the hard yards if you want results. So instead of get-followers-quick schemes or promises of easy wins, here are three ways you can get the ball rolling but be warned – it’s time to roll your sleeves up and do some serious work.

Reply, retweet, repeat

While broadcast style Twitter accounts have their benefits, don’t expect the same results as a personal account that makes an effort to interact. Tweeps who start conversations, share other tweets and are consistently engaged will find others returning the favour and will establish more authority and influence.

Learn from the best

No lightweight when it comes to blogging himself, Matthew Gain recently shared his efforts to improve his incoming traffic by taking some advice from one of professional bloggers Darren Rowse and Chris Garret. While Matthew admits that the information wasn’t necessarily new to him, the tips and learnings shared by the pros have given him the opportunity to refocus his attention on engagement and reach. Now Matthew’s sharing with his audience so we can learn from him.

Contribute to a community

Half of the Daemonites that make up Daemon Group are now blogging in this space while the others are preparing themselves for the plunge by asking questions, discussing ideas and brushing up on their skills. Our blogging efforts are the result of our own community and for the benefit of the entire team. We’re also looking to contribute to a wider community which is why we’re taking the time to read, share and comment on other blogs that pique our interest.

Like it Mandi, always enjoy a good simple 3 tips framework too! I think for me the point that resonates most is that is acknowledging the practise of what we all love to preach about is hard work and like any relationship, takes commitment and investment of time.

mandi bateson

29. May, 2010

Thanks Matthew and Nic! Many of our clients are just getting started in this space so what may be a reminder to us is an introduction for many.

Great post Mandi!
You have encapsulated the key aspects of SoMe regardless of platform and I’ll be bookmarking this post to show friends who have been hesitant to play in this space even though they have so much to share.

I think its also commendable that as a group (and a community) that the Daemonites are engaging in this space whether as seasoned travellers or adventurers. And I appreciate that you are validate that participation is listening, reading, contributing, discussing and sharing.

Kristin you are so right – in a space that touts itself as the home of connection and engagement possessing those skills in IRL certainly lends far more credibility!